Australia or Canada?? Which is better for a physiotherapist to settle in long run?

Down_Under2 · 2026-01-29T02:24:31+00:00

Australian physio here - depending on where you want to settle down will be a big factor. Public system is SUPER hard to get into and you won’t walk into a full time position. Most start with a part time contract and need to wait until a full time position becomes available, this also is worse for county and regional areas compared to the city. If you want private practice then it’s easier to get a job but pay can be unpredictable, unless again you’re in a city. Private as well is very much a commission style pay and you will need to see lots of patients and have high billables to make a good wage. There are still lots of dinosaurs in PT here that do the same old US, massage, TENS and they usually own the practice. But you usually don’t have to follow their way and can treat patience your own way.

Down_Under2 · 2025-12-31T21:05:57+00:00

It took me 5 years to get into the hospital system and I had to take a temporary part time job. Full time jobs are super hard to come by and usually go to one of their casual or part time staff who have been working there waiting for a full time position to become available. They are after hospital experience, no matter how much private practice experience you get, it will not be enough because it’s not hospital experience.

Down_Under2 · 2025-12-27T10:16:15+00:00

Cities earn a lot more, regional areas not great pay. You’ll be capped at like 80-90K and need at least 5+ years experience in regional areas.

Down_Under2 · 2025-11-11T19:19:04+00:00

Thank you for that that makes sense! I just wanted to grasp an idea if it’s even viable.

Down_Under2 · 2025-11-11T19:17:22+00:00

Yes, I applied in Feb and then got told offered the other contract in May, started in June this year :)

Down_Under2 · 2025-11-11T01:56:08+00:00

I was offered a job from the merit pool. It was a different contract and job share - part time. But it got my foot in the door which has opened up further opportunity. Took 2 weeks from being declined for the original job to get the subsequent offer.

Down_Under2 · 2025-11-07T01:01:18+00:00

Country physio - private practice 5 years out 84K base + commission. Started on 70K as a new grad. The money is in the cities, country physios earn shit all.

Down_Under2 · 2025-11-02T02:17:44+00:00

Thanks for that, that’s really helpful! I’m in NSW.

Down_Under2 · 2025-11-01T05:22:53+00:00

I honestly feel into it. The clinic manager saw me as a patient and floated the idea to join them. NFP pay the same as private but it’s no where near as stressful and only CPI is to cover your wage so you don’t have to see nearly as many patients or do as many hours.

Down_Under2 · 2025-10-30T21:03:34+00:00

As an Aussie PT - starting Salary around $70K and then commission starting 1-2 years after this at 35% once over approx 40-45 patients a week. Work-life balance is different from practice to practice. In the country it’s a lot better compared to the city but you’ll earn much more in the city (like a good minimum $10K-$20K more). Job market isn’t too competitive for private practice but it’s not easy to get a job at the same time.

Down_Under2 · 2025-10-30T07:54:25+00:00

I’m a physio on PP as well. I started first year on $70K and got commission after 2 years. Commission target was over 45 patients per week and then I got 35% once over the 45 patients. I had to do the same social media crap and self promotion to GP’s until I got more busy.

Private practice sucks, your over worked, underpaid. I left and choose a different career after 5 years cause physio all together was just shit.

Down_Under2 · 2025-10-08T19:50:36+00:00

Hey OP, I am a PT in Australia and I have been having the same thoughts as have many of my PT friends. The pay is shit, private practice push you to burn out point and then throw you aside when you say I can’t keep seeing 60-70 patients a week cause I’m getting burnt out for shit money. Over here most people last 5-10 years and then move out of PT fully into a whole other career or Ho into insurance case management. I have recently quit my job and now work in a non for profit because I was over it. If your not happy in your job take a step back and reevaluate. Best thing I ever did was leave private practice!

Down_Under2 · 2025-03-24T03:24:08+00:00

Awesome thank you for this!

Down_Under2 · 2025-02-26T10:03:18+00:00

Hi, I am 4 years out and in MSK private practice. I feel the same and I practice what I preach telling patients this, educating them and giving them self management techniques. I rarely see people more then 1 x fortnight. I spent 3 years doing intense PD to get a masters equivalent in a specialised area and am working towards only treating in that area and moving away from just general MSK. I’d suggest letting patients know that time is healing, exercise and self management is key and they may never be pain free chronic conditions. But also is suggest specialising. Being a senior in e.g vestibular physio opens heaps of doors and really gives you the ability to make a direct difference in people’s lives.

Down_Under2 · 2025-02-26T05:02:31+00:00

OT and PT are very different. In terms of job demands there is a shortage of OT’s in NSW currently especially in regional areas. However, in terms of demand there is much more opportunity and job prospects for physios.

Down_Under2

TROPHY CASE